Pandemic spotlights mental health

FINGER LAKES--With so many Finger Lakes residents stuck in their homes during the coronavirus pandemic, mental health experts are urging people to monitor themselves and their loved ones for signs of mental distress. In an effort to help people through the pandemic, many local mental health professionals are offering remote sessions while professionals across the state are volunteering for a recently established state-wide mental health hotline.
"I would say that using hotlines is a good first defense," said Kevin Field, a clinical psychologist who works in Watkins Glen. "I would say important signs in this timeframe to be concerned about is that social isolation contributes to depression."
Currently, all New Yorkers have the ability to call 1-844-863-9314 to schedule a free mental health appointment with a certified mental health professional volunteering their time. As it stands, over 6,000 mental health workers across the state have volunteered for the service according to Governor Andrew Cuomo.
"The stress, the anxiety, the emotions that are provoked by this crisis are truly significant, and people are struggling with the emotions as much as they are struggling with the economics," said Cuomo during a previous press conference.
The national Center for Disease Control also warns that stress caused due to the pandemic and self-isolation can include constant fear or worry, changes in sleep patterns, over or under eating and an increased reliance on drugs such as nicotine, alcohol or marijuana.
"Social isolation is often a clear marker of depression, but not anymore in these times, so you have to go with more obvious things. Things like losing pleasure in things you enjoy doing, that's an early sign, insomnia or irregular sleep, or active self harming thoughts," Field said.
When you are talking with others some warning signs to be aware of include them feeling hopeless or having no purpose, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, extreme mood swings or talking about wanting to die.
Firearms can allow people to act impulsively on negative feelings, which are more likely in isolation. If you are concerned about another individual or family member, do not leave them alone. Work to remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects. Call the national lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 741-741 as soon as possible. This service is free and available 24/7.
In an effort to actively combat the negative effects of self-isolation and the stress of living during a viral pandemic there are things people can do to try to maintain a healthy state of mind.
"Regular exercise is very important," Field said. "Another idea is augmenting social contact by using social media. My wife helped her parents hookup with all kinds of social media that can be healthy in a time like this. Generally speaking we want kids off it, but now we want the elderly on it because they seem to benefit from increased screen time, while children have more issues with depression and anxiety with too much screen time."
Along with the New York state mental health hotline, the CDC's disaster distress helpline can be reached at 1-800-985-5990. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233.